Resonance: Celebrating Black Composers

Details

Aliyah Danielle full profile / Wind quintet / 5 musicians

Other players: Rosalie Avery, Kyrese Washington, Elia Foster, Matthew Maroon

Full program notes

This performance celebrates the works of Black composers, whose voices have historically been underrepresented in the classical music canon. February, Black History Month, offers a poignant opportunity to shine a light on these artists' remarkable contributions and honor their enduring legacy.

Our program features a rich array of pieces, from Jeff Scott’s vibrant Homage to Duke, which pays tribute to the iconic Duke Ellington, to Valerie Coleman’s Afro-Cuban Concerto, blending rhythmic intensity with lyrical brilliance. We also present the soulful compositions of Florence Price and William Grant Still, whose works reflect the blending of classical traditions with the spiritual and folk melodies of the African-American experience. Rounding out the program is a selection from George Walker, the first Black composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

Each piece in this program speaks to the resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage of Black artists, resonating deeply with our ensemble and audience alike. Together, they offer a vibrant musical journey that bridges history, community, and artistry.

Historical context

This program is deeply rooted in the rich history of Black artistry and its profound influence on classical and contemporary concert music. Black composers have long been innovators, blending Western classical traditions with African-American musical heritage, including the rhythms, melodies, and harmonies inspired by spirituals, jazz, and folk music, to create transformative works.

William Grant Still, often called the "Dean of African-American Composers," was a trailblazer in integrating symphonic forms with blues and spiritual-inspired motifs. Florence Price, the first African-American woman to have her music performed by a major orchestra, infused her compositions with the warmth and depth of gospel-like harmonies and folk idioms. Contemporary composers like Jeff Scott and Valerie Coleman draw upon jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and modern classical techniques, continuing to expand the boundaries of this musical tradition.

Through these works, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Black composers and their pivotal role in shaping and enriching the musical traditions that connect and sustain communities.